Downtown Automotive: Honest, flexible, dependable auto repair in Seattle
Downtown Automotive, located at 702 6th Ave N in Seattle, is a trusted auto repair shop. Reviews note fast, same-day work on brakes, rotors, oil changes, and cooling fan repairs, fair pricing, and friendly, professional service by Lori and the team. Customers appreciate honest, straightforward diagnostics and transparent communication, though one review urges getting a second estimate.
702 6th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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Complete front and back brake system repairs to ensure safe stopping and optimal performance.
Routine oil changes and fluid checks to maintain engine health and extend vehicle lifespan.
Expert clutch, flywheel, and transmission fixes for smooth gear shifts and reliable driving.
Repairs for cooling fans and systems to prevent overheating and engine damage.
Comprehensive vehicle assessments to accurately identify issues and provide honest recommendations.
Lug stud replacements, tire checks, and wheel alignments for improved safety and handling.
Overall rating
Melanie
I attempted to get new tires at Costco, but had a cross threaded lug-nut and needed a lug-stud replacement. Costco marked the tire with chalk so the auto shop could easily identify the need. I took it to Downtown Automotive for what should have been a very routine and simple fix. They called me at the end of the day stating that it would cost me $700 plus to fix my hubcap. I don’t have a hubcap, I have alloy wheels. After she put me on hold to double check her information, she got back on the phone and stated that it was very clear she was right and that I had CLEARLY hit the wheel and it was impacted and needed replacing. I told her there was no damage done, it was a routine lug stud replacement. She then said they found cement in the lug nut…that was the chalk from a Costco marking. By the end of the call she had the mechanic standing by her trying to advise and it seemed very apparent that neither of them knew what they were talking about. I told her that I would not be moving forward with services. She then told me I had thirty minutes to come get my car before she left. I told her that since that wasn’t enough time to get there I would be there in the morning at pick up time. She then insisted I give her an exact time so she would know how to advise the load in of the cars for ease of exit. I told her I would be there exactly at 8am. I showed up at 8am to pick up my car and the mechanic said I would have to wait because no one told him I was coming this early and my car was all the way in the back. I was also advised I needed $1200 in repairs for struts. I took my car to Greg’s Auto, paid $118 for lug stud repair with no issues and was told my struts are perfectly fine. I dare to think how much money I lost with the previous work I’ve had done at this shop. It was very clear that they had no idea what they were talking about. I’m sure there are knowledgeable people that work there, but I think they put my car off until the end of the day and just guesstimated the work I might need. No thought or care was put into it. And it’s very clear the communication from the front desk needs SERIOUS work. She talks in circles and so fast that if you don’t know what you’re talking about, she’ll suggest hundreds of dollars of unneeded work. The simple fact that she tried to tell me that my car had damage when it didn’t, told me she was grasping and absolutely rude to dismiss me and attempt to advise me on what I did to my own car. Do not trust this place. Get a second estimate.
Robert Huynh
Lori and the team were professional and knowledgeable. I was in a bind for my daughter's car and we needed to get towed in. Other places didnt have time for us but Downtown said come right in! Was transparent about everything and tried to make it manageable.
russ meltzer
My clutch went out, I saw that Downtown Automotive was in my neighborhood and decided to give them a try. They replaced the clutch and flywheel and the clutch action feels like it did when new. They got it done on schedule and on budget. Thanks to Lori and everyone I dealt with for the really excellent customer service. I'll be a repeat customer for sure.
Julian A. Gonzalez
I’ve taken my Jeep to Downtown Automotive for over 13 years and have never been disappointed with their trouble assessment and honesty. Thankfully, I know enough about engines that I know when a mechanic is bs-ing me. I’ve never had that feeling with DA. It’s a business, so of course they’re going to suggest fixing/replacing things they see might cause trouble in the near future. However, they’ve never said I had to do it on the spot or my Jeep is going to blow up in order to scam me out of more money. Lori is awesome and has always been honest and straightforward. I recently had problems with my Jeep and had a few people tell me I needed a new engine. In fact, a friend of a friend, who is a mechanic said I needed a new engine ($10k). I took my Jeep to DA as I always do and after a full inspection they said all I needed was a new coil!!!!! ($200). I checked everything except the coil because I had replaced it two years ago and didn’t think it had gone bad. My mistake!! The best thing about it is that the DA mechanic showed me the spark plugs I had recently replaced including the one that was sparkling new which wasn’t getting spark from the faulty spark. Lori, a thou$and thanks for a other great job done by your team and saving me lots of $$$!!
Richie
Downtown Automotive is amazing! They replaced my brakes and rotors (front and back), did an oil change, and fixed my cooling fan system—all in one day. The pricing was fair, and they’re super flexible if you need a little help—just communicate with them. Everyone was incredibly kind, patient, and professional. I’m definitely making this my go-to mechanic. Highly recommend.
